Arts & Museums

Dr Sun Yat Sen, the man many consider to be the founder of modern China, lived in this villa during his stay in Singapore. The building once served as the regional headquarters for the Nationalist Party of China. Formerly called the Sun Yat Sen Villa, it was re-opened after renovations that cost almost SGD8 million. The galleries house items like old photographs, personal effects and wax figures. There is also a painting called "Overseas Chinese, Mother Of The Revolution". Measuring six meters by three meters, it is believed to be the largest oil painting done here. Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall hosts various art exhibitions as well. Check website for more details.

Founded in 1971 by the prominent local art guru Marjorie Chu, the Art Forum is one of the most established galleries in Singapore. Local and South-east Asian works under the domains of contemporary brush painting, contemporary abstract painting and watercolor painting find a home abode in this two-storey terrace house. Art enthusiasts such as curators and collectors often gather here to discuss art and study the pieces, which include works by local artist Tan Teo Kwang and Indonesian artist Goh Beng Kwan. Some sculptures and three-dimensional works are also featured.

Long awaited by sculpture aficionados, Sculpture Square is the first exhibition hall in Singapore to showcase three-dimensional artwork, everything from the massive to the petite. Here, you will find works by prominent local artists like Ng Eng Teng, Han Hai Poh and Chong Fah Cheong, as well as internationally renowned sculptor Ripolles from Spain. Occupying the grounds of a former church, the Sculpture Square is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote the three-dimensional art scene in Singapore.

The Kult Gallery is one of the most modern galleries in Singapore, exhibiting some of the best works by local and international artists. The gallery houses unique artworks, different from the traditional styles. An attractively laid out space, this gallery is for those who love to explore different art forms. For collectors and hobbyists, this gallery offers signed works and original artifacts. If you are a budding artist, do visit this place, as they accept new designs with quite an interest. Apart from paintings, the gallery also features t-shirts with idiosyncratic prints.

Housed within a 19th-century convent building at the heart of the city's cultural center, the National Design Centre is a fabulous venue where designers, businesses and the general public can interact with one another. The historic building that houses the center has been beautifully restored and re-purposed so as to create a space that is open an inviting; an excellent example of brilliant design in itself. The centre offers designers an opportunity to meet and share ideas, as well as to benefit from the guidance and assistance of the DesignSingapore Council. The National Design Centre hosts a variety of exhibitions, workshops, classes and programs that open to all. Visitors are welcome to explore the centre freely and browse through the galleries. Keep an eye on the centre's website for updates on upcoming events.

The traditional art of Chinese calligraphy is alive and well at the Singapore Calligraphy Center. Located in a beautifully restored house near the Singapore Art Museum, the Calligraphy Center is a place for research, lectures and exhibitions related to calligraphy. The center also offers calligraphy and painting classes for all levels from children to advanced, though instruction may only be in Mandarin. If you are interested in attending a lecture or joining one the calligraphy classes, visit the website or contact the center for a current schedule.

National Library of Singapore has plenty of books in various languages, including Malay and Chinese. There are also tours and seminars of the library that are available to the public. To learn more about special events, please check the website for more information.

An avid still life painter herself, owner Jasmine Tay opened the doors to her Jasmine Fine Arts gallery a decade ago, in order to showcase international works of fine art. You will find in this roomy and cordial space a commendable portfolio of paintings by artists from all over the world. In the permanent collection are the still life pieces of Burmese Win Pemin, featuring fruit and landscape, as well as Chinese painter Huang Zhongyang, who is famous for his life-like portraits.

For aficionados of Chinese art, visiting the Heng Artland Co. gallery is a must. Displaying some of the finest works from artists all over China, it presents a strong portfolio of oil paintings, ink paintings, Shoushan stone carvings, as well as wood, marble and bronze sculptures. The artwork displayed here includes Chinese ink paintings by Jia Youfu and Shi Qi, and oil paintings by Wang Shaolun and Li Tianxiang. A decent collection of landscape art also is displayed, most selling at reasonable prices.

Established in 2009 by Hou So Ping, an aerospace designer, the Art Commune Gallery exhibits exceptional art from local talented artists. Located in the Bras Basah Complex, the gallery also carries spellbinding works of legendary artists like Cheong Soo Pieng,Wong Keen, Ong Kim Seng and Tze Peng, to name a few. This is the city's first gallery where you will find artists creating their masterpieces inside the gallery itself.

The Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys (MINT) is the kind of experience visitors can anticipate at this museum which was specially built to showcase toys. Housed in an award-winning contemporary building, it showcases the founder's personal collection of vintage toys and childhood memorabilia from more than 25 countries such as Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, United States and even Bulgaria. The toys which date from 1840s to the mid-1970s are exhibited on over 4 levels of the museum and include Disneyana toys like Mickey Mouse, Snow White & the 7 dwarfs; Character toys such as Astroboy, Batman, Bonzo, Dan Dare, Popeye and Tintin collectables, amongst others. Check the website for admission rates.

Established in 1980, the Sin Hua Gallery specializes in quality Oriental paintings from China. The roomy Zen-like art space features myriads of artwork done mostly in Chinese ink by 19th and 20th century masters. Renowned artists represented here include Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, Lu Yanshao, Wu Guanzhong and Li Keran, amongst many others. You can continue your artistic appreciation of Oriental art at the other galleries on the same level.